How to Fix a Sewer Line Break

Cut through the PVC sewer pipe with a handsaw.

Building codes generally require that household sewer lines be made of either PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) hard plastic. Though both tough and durable, cracks or breaks occur when accidentally knocked. Fixing a sewer line break requires cutting out the broken pipe and replacing it with a new section. Couplings join the ends of the new section to the existing sewer line, with cement sealing the joints. Both the new pipe section and couplings must be the same diameter as the existing sewer pipe.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Handsaw
• 80-grit sandpaper
• PVC pipe
• PVC couplings
• PVC primer
• PVC cement

Instructions

1. Mark the sewer pipe 6 inches on each side of the broken/cracked area. Make a perpendicular 90-degree cut through the pipe at both marks, using a handsaw or hacksaw. Remove all plastic burrs from the existing cut pipe ends with 80-grit sandpaper.

2. Measure between the existing cuts and saw a new PVC pipe section to that length. Remove burrs.

3. Brush PVC primer around the outside ends of the new pipe section, as well as the outside ends of the existing pipes. Also prime the insides of two straight PVC couplings. Brush PVC cement onto the existing primed pipe ends, and one inside end of both couplings. Push the cemented ends of the couplings on the existing pipe ends. Hold the couplings to the pipe ends for 10 seconds while the cement sets.

4. Cement the remaining inside ends of the couplings, as well as the primed ends of the new pipe section. Squeeze the new pipe section between the couplings, and hold in place for 10 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• If fixing an ABS sewer line, use ABS pipe, ABS couplings and ABS cement. No primer is needed.

References

• HammerZone: Cutting PVC Pipe - Various Methods
• The Family Handyman: How to Glue and Join PVC Plastic Pipe